Northern Lights over the Quay

The northern lights appear when charged particles from the sun strike the atmosphere about a hundred kilometres up. They look like drifting curtains, arcs and bands, usually in an electric green, sometimes with pink streaks. When they stand directly overhead and radiate in every direction, it is called a corona.

The season runs from 21 September to 21 March, when it is dark enough after six. The odds are much the same throughout. Before six in the evening, little tends to happen. Activity peaks between ten and eleven, and can carry on until around one.

Out here there is almost no light pollution. We let you know at reception when there is something to see, so you do not have to stand outside waiting.